Why Do Basset Hounds Have So Much Loose Skin?

Why Do Basset Hounds Have So Much Loose Skin?

The abundant skin and ear leather of these breeds are designed to trap the prey’s scent, making it easier for the dog to locate it.

As with many other scent hounds, the Basset hound has loose skin over its skull, which, according to its AKC standard, “falls in distinct wrinkles over the brow when the head is lowered.

Basset hounds often have loose skin on the tail, tapering down to a point at the end. This loose skin is designed to keep the hound’s tail-tip warm and dry. The long ears of a basset hound are another way in which this dog’s sense of smell is enhanced.

The long ears pick up subtle changes in the scent while they are sniffing the ground. Basset hounds have several folds in their ear flap, which are designed to trap and retain scent particles.

The bones that make up basset hounds’ skull also possess special cavities that collect scents; this allows for an even stronger sense of smell with minimal effort on the dog’s part.

Those long, loose-skinned ears and tail may be more of an advantage in certain instances than in others.

They make it easy for the hound to find the source of a scent, but they also make it a bit easier for them to get filled up with trash that has been picked up along the way.

The ears and tail can also act as sails for these dogs when they are walking or running through water.

Why Are Basset Hounds Ears So Long?

These long ears aid in bringing odors closer to the nose, while the sagging skin on the face holds the odor close for maximum olfactory impact.

This is the reason why Basset Hounds perform so consistently well in AKC Scent Work and Tracking, not to mention the devoted sport of Basset Hound Field Trials.

Basset hounds have a long, flexible neck with ear flaps that can move in all directions. As the hound walks or runs through water, these ears scoop up scents from the ground. The long ears hold onto this scent and allow its owner to identify what has been found using a scratch or tap of their nose.

Are Basset Hounds Good Apartment Dogs?

Basset Hounds are typically quiet dogs that do well in small homes and apartments. They should reside with their family indoors, preferably with access to a yard. They are not suited for living in extreme heat or cold conditions outdoors.

Basset hounds are not meant for farm life and should be kept indoors, away from livestock. They should not be housed with other dogs, nor do they get along with cats. Because of their pack instincts, Basset hounds should also not be housed with smaller pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs.

Apartment life is made particularly easy for hounds due to their short legs and long ears, which means that they are able to crawl under couches and beds for naps.

These dogs are relatively easy to train and make excellent apartment dogs because of their long puppyhood. However, they need exercise on a daily basis.

They will require plenty of time to run around outside. Because of their large stature, it is wise to supervise your pet when he or she is out of doors.

Are Basset Hounds Hunting Dogs?

Bassets were chosen not only for their exceptional sense of smell, but also because they were slow enough for hunters to keep up with. In addition to hunting rabbits and hares, they were occasionally used to track larger wounded game.

In the United States, the Basset quickly transitioned from hunting dog to household companion. Basset hounds are not commonly used for hunting today.

They are used for scent-work trials as well as field trials. If a Basset hound is being used for tracking, it is a great idea to start training your dog when he or she is young.

Basset Hound Field Trials are held for basset hounds that have already proven their ability to hunt. Dogs are judged by the amount of speed that they are able to maintain while tracking their quarry, as well as how accurately they can locate the animal.

The dogs work in pairs and follow a scent trail which can be hours old. They are judged on their speed, endurance, tracking skill, and teamwork.

How Much Do Basset Hounds Shed?

Basset Hounds have a short, smooth and shiny coat that sheds minimally. Their coats should be brushed and combed monthly to remove loose hair and to prevent matting and tangles. This helps to keep the dog’s coat looking clean and neat.

As with many other breeds, basset hounds should be bathed regularly with dog shampoo.

They should also have their ears checked for excessive wax buildup, but this is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed by most veterinarians.

How Much Do Basset Hounds Cost?

The typical cost of a Basset Hound puppy is between $750-$1,000 due to their rarity as companion animals. The cost of a Basset Hound varies depending on the breeder. The more reputable breeders will have their puppies checked at a veterinarian’s office to ensure that they are free of genetic defects.

Most of their costs are associated with health care, so it is important to make sure that you are going to be able to provide adequate care for your Basset. The cost of annual vaccinations, de-worming treatments, and spaying or neutering is between $150 and $200 for most breeds.

Costs for basic medical care can include $200-$350 for stitches, $85-$250 for a dental cleaning, and $60-$300 for flea treatment.

Are Basset Hounds Easy To Train?

Basset hounds are relatively bright, but difficult to train. Start training puppies immediately, and use plenty of positive reinforcement to maintain their interest. Even as a casual pastime, they take pleasure in tracking and hunting. They will enjoy working in an obedience class, but they have a tendency to be stubborn.

Basset hounds are fairly stubborn and may need to be taken outside frequently to keep their attention focused on you. They tend to have short attention spans, so it is important that they are given time-outs when they misbehave.

These dogs love to play, so use these habits to your advantage when training them. Basset hounds are very curious animals, and will likely chase slower moving objects for hours. Force them to stay and return to you when they play.

They will be obsessed with food, so keep training sessions short and sweet. This will allow them to stay focused on you for the most part. Use treats, toys and affection as rewards for good behavior or positive action.

How Many Puppies Do Basset Hounds Have?

On average, breeding Basset Hounds will yield six to eight puppies. However, larger litters of up to 14 puppies are not uncommon. This is due to their size. Basset Hounds are larger than many other breeds, and the female basset hound is naturally larger than the male. This allows them to produce more offspring in a shorter period of time.

Basset Hound puppies are born with dark, soft coats that do not show their characteristic black-and-white patterns until they reach four weeks of age. They will begin to develop their adult coats at six months of age, but it will still take a year for their fully developed coloration.

Basset Hounds are naturally bred to be large, making them more susceptible to certain genetic defects and common disorders. One of the most common disorders that basset hounds develop is hip dysplasia. They will also suffer from cataracts, glaucoma, and heart problems.

Basset hounds are a notoriously poor breed for anyone interested in dog shows. However, they are still popular companions for children and senior citizens. They can be trained and they do not shed a lot of hair, making them ideal for a wide range of lifestyles.

How Big Is A Full Grown Basset Hound In Terms Of Weight?

The average height of a Basset is less than 15 inches, but don’t be fooled by their low-slung build: these dogs can weigh up to 70 pounds.

Most individuals have difficulty carrying a fully grown adult Basset. This is because their ears and head are so massive that they cannot support their own weight.

Basset hounds reach maturity between 18 and 24 months of age. The average basset hound will weigh 50–60 pounds and stand at least 15 inches tall, with the largest male specimens reaching a maximum height of over 17 inches and weighing 70–85 pounds.

According to breed standards published by kennel clubs, Basset Hounds are unable to reach weights above 70 kg (150 lb) for females or 90 kg (200 lb) for males.

What Is The Average Lifespan Of Basset Hounds?

The Basset Hound has a very low expected lifespan of 9–14 years. The breed is prone to hereditary eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal degeneration.